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The Maui News
Maui County Council Member Mike Molina is urging the federal government to temporarily waive specific Jones Act requirements for oil imported to Hawaii in hopes of mitigating the cost impact on residents due to current sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Molina, who holds the residency seat for the Makawao-Haiku-Paia area, introduced a resolution on Wednesday to be heard before the Maui County Council meeting at 9 a.m. Friday that encourages a limited and targeted waiver of the Jones Act to allow more cost-effective shipping of oil to Hawaii.
"While we're suffering the effects of an international crisis, it's time to set aside this federal law that requires the transport of goods exclusively on a limited number of domestic vessels, resulting in higher costs for Hawaii consumers," Molina said in a news release Wednesday. "We need to have the U.S. government 'level the playing field' in the form of reduced fuel and shipping costs for Maui County and other state residents."
Public testimony can be given via phone, videoconference or in writing. For instructions on submitting testimony, visit mauicounty.us/testify.
The meeting will be available to view live online and on Akaku channel 53. For more information on Resolution 22-90 and other agenda items, visit mauicounty.us/agendas.